Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

During the evening, I headed to a café. I was on my second cup of coffee when my blind date finally strolled in.

He wasn't your typical middle-aged guy with a beer belly, nor was he bald. His crisp sky-blue shirt was spotless. He matched his online profile perfectly.

Although I wasn't catfished, his tardiness had definitely worsened my initial impression of him.

Thankfully, I wasn't seriously looking for a relationship. I just needed someone to get over Chris, for a fee.

"Sorry I'm late," the man apologized politely.

"No worries. I'm not actually here for a real date. I'm looking to rent a boyfriend," I stated bluntly.

He looked puzzled. "Rent a boyfriend?"

"Yes. I don't want a real relationship right now, but I urgently need a boyfriend for appearances," I explained.

He fell silent. Thinking he might be offended, I added, "I'll pay you for your time."

quite well-off," he commented while squinting

his money-minded reaction, it strangely facilitated our

a daily or monthly

are you willing to pay? And is this just

it dawned on me that I wasn't the

just for a show," I affirmed. I was not interested in

charges?" he asked in a professional

chuckled softly. "Seems like you're familiar with this. What

someone this

move

first, and then you

offered a

your terms. So, how about we start by getting to know each other

problem, and who knows, you might

his thoughts echoed Brandon's

okay with that, I'll find someone else," I rejected firmly. My